Campus Connect - November 2020

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast December 2020 A Technical and Community College Red Wing | Winona | Online MSC Southeast focuses on student safety, keeping campuses open for students Outdoor education: In the months leading up to the first day of Fall Semester, Payton Torrez is helping everyone at Minnesota State College Southeast was focused build a tiny house in the on a safe return to college. So far, it appears that many of the Winona campus parking strategies they planned are working. lot near the Construction “Although there has been an increase in the surrounding Technology lab. communities, we’ve been fortunate that our COVID-19 case report numbers are relatively low,” said Vice President of College in the age of COVID-19 Student Affairs Josiah Litant. “This is in large part because of continued compliance on the part of everyone in our col- This fall at Minnesota State College Southeast, we’re mov- Splitting up classes lege community and the effectiveness of our safety proto- ing toward a strong finish for Fall Semester. Students, faculty, In Red Wing, the Bicycle Design and Fabrication program cols.” and staff have worked hard to keep the number of reported looks different this fall. To reduce the number of students COVID-19 cases low. in the lab, the cohort has been split into two smaller groups, Minnesota State College Southeast has the advantage of be- which are kept completely separate and come to campus on ing a small, commuter college. Even before the pandemic, To minimize the risk of exposure, there are very few students alternate days. about 40% of instruction was online. This has helped keep on campus. Those who do attend are largely in hands-on, ap- the number of people on campus low, reducing the risk of plied lab courses that require face-to-face instruction. Wearing “I really appreciate that the school kept open these labs for transmission. In addition, MSC Southeast doesn’t have the masks, observing physical distancing, strict cleaning routines, our hands-on time in the workshops working on our projects. complexities of students living in campus housing or sharing and new approaches to teaching have been effective in keep- This is an applied course, and we need to be here in person,” all of their meals together in dining halls. ing students safer this fall. said Chris Lucas. “Since they split us into two groups we have only five people in our class. In a way, it’s been benefi- Just before Thanksgiving, new strategies were announced to Taking it to the parking lot cial for us because we get more one-on-one attention from further mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Jonathan Powell’s Construction Technology classes have our instructor and more time using the machines.” taken to the great outdoors — the parking lot just outside their On a program-by-program basis, instructors were lab, where they are building a tiny house. Jon has employed On the other hand, Will Curtis misses the close friendships considering whether they could complete on-campus a number of strategies to keep his students healthy, including the whole group built in the 2019-2020 academic year. “I saw coursework early and/or move in-person classes online after teaching Blueprint Reading and Estimating in the Hy-Flex them every single day last semester, and now we never see Thanksgiving. mode, where students can choose to come to class in person each other at all,” he said regretfully. or attend remotely via Zoom. “Our students who are studying online will continue to do Over in the Violin Repair program, instructor Steve Rossow so. We aim for on-campus students to be able to complete His students are completing finals before Thanksgiving break has also split his class into two sections. The violin students their hands-on courses in the safest way possible that still and then finishing the semester with a condensed lab sched- are in two separate labs, and all the benches are at least six ensures that they are able to learn the material effectively,” ule, where there will only be five or six students in each lab feet apart. Steve floats between the two labs, which are some Josiah Litant said. to keep them distanced. “Lab is where we learn the most. We 30 feet apart. “It’s no problem — I just cut through the Power need to actually do what we read about,” Jon noted. “I have a Tool lab and go back and forth,” he said. Managers were encouraged to further stagger staff schedules good group of students who are focused on getting the work to increase the number of people working off-campus. done.” Previously students would have gathered close around Steve’s Employees are still available by phone, email, and Zoom. workbench to observe demonstrations of various delicate First year student Payton Torrez, from Alma, WI, had his repair techniques. Now students are scattered for lecture- Count on Josiah Litant,Vice President of Student Affairs, sights set on Construction Technology, but was undecided demonstration in Room 314, the largest room on the Red to help keep our campuses safe this spring. about college until he had heard that MSC Southeast was Wing campus, which can seat more than 100. New camera going to guarantee on campus, hands-on instruction this fall. equipment has been installed so Steve can project demonstra- The number of tables in common areas was reduced and Currently in his classes he is finding success with book and tions onto a large screen. chairs were limited to one per table. “Since we can’t wear classroom learning, and then working on real projects using masks while eating and drinking, we are urging everyone to what he just learned. “Seeing the results of the students’ projects, you can see that eat alone, then enjoy social time wearing masks and keeping they are understanding the materials. Everybody’s getting distanced,” Josiah explained. Mychal Fisel is from Belle Plaine, MN. He chose MSC their work done, we aren’t running behind at all, and the qual- Southeast because his brother had attended and graduated ity of their work is very good,” said Steve. The college adopted the “Count on Me” campaign to “Mask from the program only a few years ago. He agreed that if the Up, Back Up, Wash Up, Check Up, and Check In” — orig- program were not offered on campus he would not have been Even online looks different this year inally created by Winona State University and now being interested in attending this year. “In order to use the tools After proctoring remote tests with a number of students at shared across southeast Minnesota. properly we need to use them, not just learn about them,” he said. see COVID on Page 3 Josiah Litant said open communications have been helpful. “People have been really good about communicating with Student Success Day Stories – the college about transmission concerns, or exposure, or Narratives from Southeast Minnesota COVID-19 symptoms, so we’ve been able to mitigate trans- mission to a large extent across both of our campuses.” This fall, our Student Success Day held on September 22 Akilah Childs attended MSC Southeast from 2012 through focused on issues of race and equity. Sessions were held via 2017. “I identified predominantly as Native American, even Above all, MSC Southeast remains committed to helping Zoom throughout the day. Perhaps because people could though there’s some European descent in my family. I grew students complete the semester successfully. attend from anywhere, and the college’s distance learning up in the Anishinaabe and Sioux tradition. I was not exposed students were able to participate, even more students, staff, to much other than Native American culture,” she related. “While we will continue to monitor our numbers, and we’re and faculty were involved than in previous years. “As I grew up in Red Wing, I realized there are clear cultural aware that health department guidelines may change, we differences. I also felt resistance and prejudice between both feel fairly confident that the strategies we have put in place The day featured a panel discussion with four individuals Native Americans and non- Native Americans towards one will allow us to operate safely,” Josiah Litant said. “It’s im- sharing their perspectives and experiences in southeast Min- another,” she said. portant to keep our doors open for our students, not only nesota. The panel was moderated by Vice President of Student for on-campus instruction, but for access to services like the Affairs Josiah Litant, who said, “Each of us, of course, has a Because of this, her parents had not wanted her to go to a food pantries, computers, and printing.” unique perspective and a different story to tell. While none local college. She attended Hamline University in St. Paul of us can speak for entire groups, our goal for our panel is to and then Minneapolis College before moving back to the Red Winona together, hear four different and unique stories and to deepen our own Wing area. protecting our community. thinking about race here, where we live, where we work, and where we go to school.” “In all honesty, Southeast and the community within it has shaped me into the woman, mother, and community member MASK UP Wear a mask when indoors, I am today as much as my BACK UP and outdoors when close to others. culture and family. During WASH UP Keep a physical distance of at my time at Southeast, I CHECK UP least six feet from other people jumped between sociology, in addition to wearing a mask. criminal justice, adminis- Frequently wash hands for 20 trative support careers, and seconds or longer. Disinfect ended up in early child- frequently touched surfaces in shared spaces. see DAY on Page 2 Each time you come to campus, take the daily self-assessment to Chad Dull (above left), screen for COVID-19 symptoms Mathew Chesang (lower before you arrive. left) and Pedro Pablo (lower right) listen at- CHECK IN Text, call or spend time with friends tentively to Akilah Childs and families to support one another during her presentation. during these stressful times.

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 2 Red Wing Campus Winona Campus Innovation and dedication are allowing 308 Pioneer Road 1250 Homer Road students to achieve their academic goals Winona, MN 55987 despite challenging times Red Wing, MN 55066 By Dr. Larry Lundblad, Interim President, Minnesota State College Southeast Tandeski Center Greetings from Minnesota State College Southeast! It is hard basic electricity, 1200 Storrs Pond Road to believe that there are only a few weeks remaining in Fall fluid power, sensors, semester. Once the college year begins, it always seems to motors/drives, PLCs, Winona, MN 55987 move quickly. The pandemic has brought many changes to and robotics. With our operations – changes that continue to occur in response the rapid changes in www.southeastmn.edu to the current surge that is taking place regionally and across manufacturing that 877.853.8324 the state. Despite the many changes, things are going quite are taking place, smoothly. Fall enrollment is positive. We will show a slight these skills are essen- Administrative Contacts increase over last year by the end of the semester. tial and lead to high- wage jobs. Seven Larry Lundblad To date, the college community fortunately has had a low Red Wing/Goodhue Interim President incidence of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The on-campus County manufactur- [email protected] safety protocols that include social distancing, masks, daily ers are partners in electronic self-reports, hand hygiene, and sanitation are work- the grant. Employees from these companies will receive the ing. Currently, our trade, technical, transportation, music, training initially. and health careers students are on campus. It is our intention to continue with on-campus instruction for these programs Previously, the Winona campus received two similar MJSP for the rest of the year. The challenge over the next several grants to build capacity in mechatronics and to provide train- months will be to successfully navigate having everyone in ing for employees from eleven Winona manufacturers. The more confined spaces during the cold weather season and the curriculum being developed will be the basis for diploma and upcoming holidays that will bring people together in off- associate degree programs that will prepare students for high- campus settings. skill, high-wage, industry jobs in mechatronics. Chad Dull Our faculty and staff have been phenomenal in maintaining In addition to seeking grant funding for programs, the col- Vice President of Academic Affairs high levels of instruction and service to the on-campus and lege is looking for ways to fund expanded services for our [email protected] off-campus students. Their innovation and dedication allow students. We are very focused on creating holistic services our students to pursue and achieve their academic goals. that support the wellness and well-being of our students. Josiah S. Litant Everyone is becoming very adept at using technology. The More and more, students are struggling with life issues. These Vice President of Student Affairs college’s culture of caring is very evident during these trying struggles are being magnified by the pandemic. Food insecu- and Dean of Students times. rity, housing concerns, mental health issues, loss of jobs and [email protected] part-time work, and lack of childcare are taking their toll. The Presidential Search. As my service as an interim president issues prevent good learning from taking place. Amy Schmidt is coming to an end in 2021, the official search for a new Vice President of Finance and president is underway. Minnesota State Chancellor Devin- We have been successful in securing grant funding to support Administration der Malhotra held Zoom listening sessions with community students. Recently, the college received a SNAP education [email protected] leaders and college students, faculty, and staff on October 22. and training grant of approximately $500,000. The award The search firm (the Pauley Group) is finalizing a presiden- is based on student enrollment in the federal Supplemental Rick Nahrgang tial and institutional profile and will soon be advertising the Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These dollars will par- Chief Information Officer position nationally. A search committee including community tially fund a director of equity and inclusion position and two [email protected] members has been determined. In February, the first round AmeriCorps positions. Each campus will have an AmeriCorps of interviews will occur, narrowing the field to three or four intern who will help connect students with community servic- candidates. In late March, finalists will be on the college es. In addition, the college recently received grants to support campuses to interview before a final round of interviews with our food pantries. Our Winona and Red Wing campuses each the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellors, and Minnesota State Board received $4,000 from the Minnesota Department of Health to members. The Chancellor’s recommendation will be acted purchase refrigeration units and shelving so that the types of upon at the April board meeting of the Minnesota State Board goods offered can be expanded with an eye to healthy food of Trustees. The new president will start on July 1, 2021. choices. The latest grant of $10,000 from regional CARES funding will supplement the donations that are occurring. Grants. The college is aggressively pursuing a number of grants. We were recently awarded a Minnesota Job Skills Note of thanks. We are very grateful for the growing levels Partnership (MJSP) grant of $400,000 to develop a mecha- of support from our communities. The grants, partner- tronics program on the Red Wing campus. Mechatronics is ships, gifts, and active engagement of the many community a field that integrates mechanics, electronics, and computer members who serve on advisory committees, assist with the technology to support automation system and computer- Foundation, provide clinicals and internships, and provide controlled equipment. Students gain an understanding of part-time and permanent employment opportunities are most appreciated. Maryellen Kanz Narratives from Southeast Minnesota shine a Director of Human Resources light on issues of race, gender, poverty [email protected] DAY continued from Page 1 because we have the opportunity to create spaces where people Heather Conley aren’t just welcome, they are wanted.” Dean of Academic Innovation early childhood education,” she shared. “Today my goal is to [email protected] open up my own day care and preschool or be a director of Mathew Chesang, a current student in nursing at the MSC one for my tribe so that I can encourage and support families Southeast Winona campus, spoke about his background grow- Ann Dieman-Thornton and children and their education from the very beginning.” ing up in a rural part of Kenya. Coming to the United States Dean of Faculty & Academic was a shock. “Because I have an accent, people had a really Operations Pedro Pablo attended Winona State University from 2011 un- hard time understanding me. I started to realize that people [email protected] til 2015, graduating with a public relations major and a dance were treating me differently because of my accent and skin minor. Pedro grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to color, so that was a very, very big struggle for me.” Minnesota State College Southeast is an affirmative the United States as an international student. “I use different action/equal opportunity educator and employer. words to identify who I am. Some of them are like queer as a After finishing college, he served in the military for six years, political statement, as a way of living my life beyond the gen- then moved with his family to a small town in Wisconsin. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals der and sexuality binaries. Some people say l am gender fluid “This is a small area and majority white people. There were with disabilities by calling 877-853-8324 or 507-453-2700. — I like ‘gender full.’ I also use the word ‘Latinx,’ which is some instances in the workplace, you could see some co-work- a gender-neutral term to describe a person who comes from ers were willing to help you. But others don’t want to help and Paul F. Sorenson, 1957-2020 Latin America.” they will sometimes make some comments which are not very nice.” The MSC Southeast community is saddened to Pedro thanked many of the people who helped them along the share the passing of retired CNC Machine Tool way at Winona State, “It was quite a wild experience to come After working for about a year, he decided to enroll in nurs- from city of six million to a few thousand in Winona. I had to ing at Southeast. “I really liked that I was able to meet some instructor Paul Sorenson. lean in to the staff and to the faculty and to the people around students from different parts of the of the state and some others A highly skilled and experienced technician, many viewed me who were open enough to give me a chance and an op- even from different parts of the world. And I am helping other Paul as a great teacher, which led him to his career as an portunity to grow and find out who I was.” people who have struggles with race.” educator at MSC Southeast. Here Paul enjoyed Chad Dull, an administrator at the college, spoke about Given an opportunity to express their final thoughts at the end passing on his knowledge, humor, and choice of music to growing up in poverty. When he was young and his parents his students. He worked closely with high school students divorced, he explained that his family went from not having of the discussion, the panelists said: in the college’s Prototype Engineering certificate program. very much to being a family that had nothing. “I was al- Upon retirement Paul continued mentoring students in ways struck by the confidence of my middle-class and upper • Akilah — Even though everything is very intense right middle-class friends. They just felt like they were supposed to the Winona High Robotics Club. be where they were, and they were supposed to do what they now, it’s for the better. And we have to go through the Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul, were doing. And I never, ever felt that way.” uncomfortable to get to a new growth and beginning. his family, and dear friends. Although he struggled in college, Chad credits his ultimate success to one person in a financial aid office at Winona State • Chad —There’s a difference between a place where University. “On the day I was out of money and desperate enough to go to the financial aid office, a guy named Greg people are welcome and a place where people are looked at me and found me help. He didn’t spend any time blaming me for choices I may have made. He just found a wanted. And I hope we continue to work towards being way to give me help.” a place where everyone is wanted. • Pedro — I would say Black Lives Matter. I would say vote. And I would say, you gotta listen to people whose experiences you don’t know about. • Matthew — We are different colors, but we are one people. Chad continued, “He took this kid who felt like an impostor, Interim President Larry Lundblad concluded, “We’re going to who was anxious that he wasn’t supposed to even be there, continue these conversations and then we’re going to take ac- and created a place of belonging, of safety. It’s become my tion steps to really ensure that everyone at Southeast is heard, mission to do that as well. I work at a community college accepted, and valued.”

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 3 CAD drafting student’s dream job comes true New Faces on Campus CAD Drafting Technologies instructor Jim Ziegler was excited to get a thank note this fall from Hannah Morales, a student John Bayerl in southern California. She wrote, “I just wanted to send you a huge thank you. Your classes have brought me a lot more than I expected, so much so that I started my dream job back in March. One of my long-term projects is nearing completion so I John Bayerl is the new Director of Teaching Excellence at thought I would share it with you. I’ve been an engineer on this project. I still have a lot to learn but it’s a huge step in the right direction.” MSC Southeast. He is work- FROM THIS... ing with faculty to improve and support their use of technology and teaching abilities. John will be leading continuous efforts to better faculty instruction and student learning with one goal, improve student success. Ad- ditionally, John serves as the Student Senate Advisor on the John Bayerl, Director of Red Wing campus. Teaching Excellence “Changing jobs, getting acquainted with a multi-campus college, and meeting new colleagues certainly has been a challenge, but luckily I have been able to split my time fairly evenly in Red Wing and Winona so far and have met many wonderful faculty, staff, and students at each cam- pus,” he said. “We are currently facing an unprecedented challenge, and I’m excited to help Southeast to not only ‘get by,’ but to improve faculty teaching and student success for years to come.” TO THIS! Heather Conley ASSOCIATE OF In the newly created role of Dean of Academic Innova- SCIENCE IN NURSING tion, Heather Conley is focused on resource development Newly designed curriculum, virtual labs, simulations and NEW and leadership for new and online learning & support. NDUERGSRIENEG emerging career and techni- Accepting applications soon. Get started in August 2021! cal programs. She oversees At MSC Southeast: MSC Southeast’s innovative • Start taking classes full or part-time advanced manufacturing, trans- • Small class sizes • Online learning with local portation, and Bicycle Design support • Scholarships available & Fabrication programs as well as the Customized Training and Continuing Education division. Heather Conley, Dean of Heather previously served as Academic Innovation an Assistant Dean at Montana Technological University and Director of Grants Development at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Iowa. “MSC Southeast is positioned perfectly for its role as not just a community college, but as the community’s college,” she said. “At Southeast, I saw an opportunity to work in smaller, rural communities that nonetheless serve as the hub for a region. With a unique location along the Mississippi River and some of the new opportunities that provides, as well as innovative businesses and industries who are ready to support the college, it felt like a great fit.” Ann Deiman-Thornton As the Dean of Faculty and Operations, Ann Deiman- www.southeastmn.edu/ASN Thornton provides oversight and support to the majority of programs on both campuses and is the lead Academic Ad- Students adapting to new learning environments ministrator for the Red Wing campus. “The faculty and staff at MSCS are very student-cen- COVID continued from Page 1 tered and deeply committed to mid-term, mathematics instructor Jean Egbert was inspired student success. It is great to by the stories distance learning students had to tell. “Even though COVID and online learning has been a huge task see that level of commitment these students seem to be weathering the storm,” she said. to students,” she said. “I hope Kemp Harris is a part-time Computer Aided Design (CAD) Ann Deiman-Thornton, to work collaboratively with Drafting Technologies student from Jacksonville, Florida, Dean of Faculty and Student Affairs to create a wel- who estimates that he will graduate in 2022. He discovered Academic Operations coming, inviting campus for all MSC Southeast searching for the top online CAD programs. students and add more resourc- Since his classes were already 100% online, COVID-19 hasn’t affected his education plans, but it’s made an impact on es and support to help remove the barriers students face to his choice of study partners. being successful.” “I’m a full-time single dad who works full time and goes to Before coming to MSC Southeast, Ann was the Education school part time while tutoring my son with his e-learning,” Director at the Minnesota Department of Corrections-Still- he wrote in an email interview. “My son comes into work water facility and coordinated all post-secondary partner- with me every day. He has own desk in my office.” ships for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. She previously served as Dean of Liberal Arts at Inver Hills Kemp added that he is enjoying his classes, teachers, and Kemp Harris, a CAD Drafting Tech student from Community College and was Dean of Faculty at the Minne- fellow students. “My classes are easy to navigate and my Jacksonville, FL, shares his home office with his son sota School of Business. She is currently earning her Doctor teachers have been great. From the classmates I’ve had so far while both study online. of Education in Leadership from Saint Mary’s University we all try to help one another.” and holds an M.A. in English from the University of St. school and take all of his classes online. Thomas. When Tanner Johnson, a Psychology Transfer Pathway major from Buffalo City, Wisconsin, started Fall Semester this year, “At first, I had a really hard time with online because there is Amy Schmidt his classes were online except for psychology with instructor so much reading on a computer screen, but I’ve gotten used Angel Mytas. Recently that class moved to an online format to it now. I get my textbooks through Cengage. Using the With more than 18 years of experience working in edu- via Zoom. audio reader, I can listen and take notes at the same time,” said Tanner. cational organizations, Amy “We tried out doing some classes on Zoom to feel out the waters, and it was easier for everyone to be there instead of But sometimes unforgettable experiences happen in the Schmidt is the college’s new on campus. Now we just come into the Zoom meeting at the classroom that can’t be replicated in the online environment, same time as we would have had class,” he explained. and Tanner had a story to tell about just such an incident that Vice President of Finance and occurred earlier this fall in psychology class. Because of high-risk family members at home, Tanner said he Administration. She has dem- is glad not to be traveling to and from campus anymore. Next “There was this huge praying mantis flying around in our semester he plans to take out loans so he can focus solely on classroom. Angel (Mytas, the instructor) wasn’t going to let onstrated success in leading a little distraction stop her from teaching. But she didn’t try WNB FMORE THAINNAANBCANIAKL to kill it, she took the time to actually care for it, to help this teams in achieving financial insect get out and get to freedom. It showed that she cared www.WNBFinancial.com • 507-454-8800 about helping it, and she cared about teaching us at the same goals and is accomplished in time. And this was not a little bug — it was quite a big guy!” working with executive leaders Moments like that are what make college — and especially Minnesota State College Southeast — special. Hopefully to develop strategic, financial, we’ll be able to return to “normal” classes soon, while taking advantage of new technologies and insights gained because and growth strategies that ben- of the challenges of teaching — and learning — in the age of COVID-19. efit students and communities. Amy Schmidt,Vice “Coming to MSC Southeast is President of Finance a new and exciting opportunity and Administration and I felt that my skills matched what the college was look- ing for,” said Amy. “I hope I can help provide useful, ac- curate and timely financial information that can be used to make decisions that will help MSC Southeast continue to provide educational opportunities for our students and serve the needs of our communities.” Previously, Amy served as business manager and then con- troller at Western Technical College in La Crosse and was an accountant/controller for the Caledonia School District. Amy earned a B.S. in Accounting at University of Wiscon- sin-La Crosse and an MBA at Viterbo University. She has been a certified public accountant since 2000.

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 4 MSC Southeast Foundation donors rise to the challenge of helping students The culture of caring at MSC Southeast is clearly evident in MSC Southeast Foundation board giving the support of its employees, Foundation board of directors, is at 100% for the fourth year in a row. The and the community as a whole. Giving to the Minnesota State board has established The Foundation Board College Southeast Foundation provides critical support to stu- Legacy Scholarship, which is comprised of dents who are struggling with financial issues, which are only donations from current and past board mem- made more difficult because of the COVID-19 pandemic. bers. The fund continues to grow with the goal of establishing it as an endowment. Last year’s annual employee giving campaign resulted an incredible level of 80% employee participation, generating Although the annual Red Wing Community nearly $30,000 for scholarship, emergency, and general fund- ing support for our students. “The struggles of our students Connections Golf Tournament had to be can- impact each of us personally and it drives us to give to the campaign for many different reasons,” said Casie Johnson, celled this year because of the pandemic, the Associate Foundation Director. “We truly do want our stu- dents to succeed in their education goals and believe in the Alumni & Friends Tournament took place as investment needed to help achieve that.” planned at The Bridges in Winona in August. The 12th annual Alumni and Friends Golf tournament was held in Foundation Board Members 2021 117 people participated in a socially distanced, August of 2020 raising over $17,000 for student scholarships. Michael Grove, President John Milek, Vice President safe outdoor event that grossed $17,000 for Cherie Burke, Secretary/Treasurer student and scholarship support. More than $5000 was raised The college’s food pantries on both campuses are available Lyle Blanchard Greg Beckwith in the virtual silent auction! Many people were able to bid to anyone in our campus community as needed. The pantries Lance Duellman James Elvidge even though they weren’t at the event, bringing in even more have been recently expanded to hold more items, including Steve Gudgell Kathy Solum supporters. refrigerated food. You can drop off donations at the college, or place an order via Amazon Pantry and have it shipped directly “We weren’t able to host a dinner due to the circumstances, to the college (see addresses for Red Wing and Winona on but everyone was still excited to come out and enjoy the day,” page 2). said Casie Johnson. “They were happy that we still hosted the event.” In addition, monetary donations can be made to the Founda- tion that can be designated for student emergency funds, How can you help? scholarships, general college support, or the food pantries. If you’re an Amazon customer, you can designate Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation in your account through For more information, contact the Foundation at the AmazonSmile program. Every purchase you make will 507-453-2663 or [email protected] or go to benefit the college, and it doesn’t cost you anything — dona- www.southeastmn.edu/donate. tions are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation. Transportation Programs Salute Veterans Minnesota State College Southeast’s Auto Body Collision Technology and Automotive Technology students recently took part in the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE) Salute to Veterans campaign. The TCOE recognizes that in this ever changing world a few things continue to be true. Service is not only the backbone of the transportation industry, but the driving force behind liberty and justice for all in our country. MSC Southeast is proud to have been named an official Military-Friendly College for 2020-2021. The college has also been named a Hiawatha Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company. YE ! THE TWO-YEAR COLLEGE YES – YOU CAN ADVANTAGE Go to college this spring at Minnesota State College Southeast. Stay safe. Stay local. If attending college is in your future, consider YES – WE’RE HERE FOR YOU attending close to home. MSC Southeast offers college level transfer We offer a welcoming environment where your courses AND hands-on, focused career training. instructors will get to know you by name. A leader in online education. MSC Southeast offers a YES – WE’RE SAFE We’re following national and state health wide range of programs that can be taken 100% online - from Liberal Arts guidelines. and Sciences to Criminal Justice. YES - YOU CAN REACH YOUR GOALS Affordable. Practical. Purposeful. Whether on campus or online, student success is our top priority. MSC Southeast graduates are ready to start a high-demand career in two years or less. Save thousands while gaining skills that go right to work! YES - MSC SOUTHEAST CARES We’re here to support you along the way. 877-853-8324 www.southeastmn.edu Apply today to start in January! RED WING 100% WINONA Many of our programs have a history of 100% job placement upon graduation